The Bahamas – the Top 5 Reasons to Visit

Author: Byron Mackelroy

The Bahamas is a series of over 700 islands and over 200 cays sitting just off the east coast of Florida. Once a pirate stronghold, this nation of islands now plays host to adventure seekers and tourists looking to escape into the beauty of the Caribbean. Known for its powdery sand and endless beaches, the Bahamas is a place of pleasure and relaxation. To help you on your island getaway here are my top 5 reasons to visit the Bahamas.

Proximity
Bimini, the western most district of the Bahamas is located just 53 miles off the east coast of Florida. If you don’t mind a short connecting flight, the Bahamas Islands are accessible from almost anywhere is the United States and there should be some reasonable airfare deals on a number of websites. If you are looking for a piece of paradise close to home the Bahamas is the spot to start your search.

Shopping, Duty Free
Since 1992 the Bahamas government has lifted the duty tax on luxury items such as fine leather bags and perfumes. This policy has led to an amazing 25% savings on the prices of similar high-end items in the United States. Shopping in paradise can be a treat with extensive markets and boutiques throughout Nassua and Grand Bahama Island.

History
For anyone interested in colonial history, the Roselawn Museum on Nassua houses one of the finest collections of period artifacts available. If you are looking for a more raw personal experience, take a tour of one of the many settlements set up by the free blacks after the 1834 abolishment of slavery in the Bahamas. For a more care-free brush with the old culture of the islands visit the Mardi Gras-esque Junkanoo Festival (http://www.junkanoo.com/junkanoo/) held right after Christmas.

Accommodations
Tourism drives the Bahamas economy. As you can image, there are a wide variety of lodging options throughout the Bahamas. If you are not price conscience then the sky is the limit. From the amenity rich super resorts like Atlantis (http://www.atlantis.com/), to the ultra high-end pampered establishments like the Westin Grand Bahama Island Resort in Lucaya. For those of you with a tighter wallet there are still some impressive options. Check out a Bahamas Hotel with a mini-vacation offer (http://www.vacation-offer.com/special/new/31). These deals are designed to introduce you to timeshare options and they offer access to some great amenities for a reasonable price. No matter where you stay, beware of the energy surcharges and taxes associate with lodging. Tourism is the breadwinner in the Bahamas so it can get a bit pricey.

Enjoying the Night Life
More than a few visitors to the islands have referred to the Bahamas night life as Vegas-lite. From the nightly cabaret shows at the Paradise Island Resort to the full blown casino at the Crystal Palace Resort, guest on the islands have a wide variety of options to have a good time. Clubs, dance halls and cabarets can be found at the majority of large hotels throughout the Bahamas.

Whether you are dancing the night away or just relaxing on the pristine beaches enjoying the Caribbean, the Bahamas will leave a lasting impression. If you are looking for that perfect island vacation, pack your bathing suit and bring some sunscreen, the Bahamas Islands are waiting.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-bahamas-the-top-5-reasons-to-visit-716019.html

About the Author

I am an aspiring travel writer who loves to find the most interesting features of the best places to visit. I also love a bargain when I see one.